John McClain’s grades for Texans loss to Chiefs

If Case Keenum had gotten better protection in his first start, he might have pulled out a remarkable victory. He threw for 271 yards.

Running backs: D

With Arian Foster out with a hamstring injury, Ben Tate was limited to 50 yards on 11 carries because he was playing hurt.

Wide receivers/Tight ends: B

Andre Johnson and DeVier Posey had 42-yard catches. DeAndre Hopkins had a 35-yard reception and a 29-yard touchdown reception.

Offensive line: D

They were overwhelmed by the pass rush in the second half. The running game averaged only 3 yards and was nonexistent in the second half.

Defensive line: B

J.J. Watt had six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three hits on the quarterback. Earl Mitchell had a fumble. The run defense was mediocre.

Linebackers: C+

Joe Mays and Darryl Sharpton combined for 10 tackles in Brian Cushing’s absence. There were no sacks from the linebackers or forced fumbles.

Defensive backs: B-

Shiloh Keo intercepted a pass. They didn’t allow a touchdown pass. They left Dwayne Bowe wide open on a couple of key plays.

Specialists: C

Randy Bullock kicked field goals of 48, 21 and 47 yards. Punter Shane Lechler had a 49.8 gross and a 43.4 net with three punts inside the 20. They allowed a 57-yard kickoff return and a 26-yard punt return.

Coaching: B

Gary Kubiak had his team ready to play. He went with Case Keenum and put him in the shotgun. It was a smart move. Clock management was bad at the end of the first half.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Week 7: Chiefs 17, Texans 16

Texans quarterback Case Keenum throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during his first NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Week 7: Chiefs 17, Texans 16

Texans quarterback Case Keenum throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during his first NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing sits on a cart after he suffered both a fractured fibula and torn LCL in his left knee midway through the third quarter.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing sits on a cart after he suffered both a fractured fibula and torn LCL in his left knee midway through the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Ben Tate is stopped at the line of scrimmage by the Chiefs defense.

Texans running back Ben Tate is stopped at the line of scrimmage by the Chiefs defense.

Texans tight end Garrett Graham is tripped up by Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers stopping him short of the goal line during the third quarter.

Texans tight end Garrett Graham is tripped up by Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers stopping him short of the goal line during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the third quarter.

Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger hits Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith after Smith scrambled for a first down during the third quarter. Swearinger was called for a personal foul on the play as he hit Smith as the quarterback was sliding. less

Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger hits Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith after Smith scrambled for a first down during the third quarter. Swearinger was called for a personal foul on the play as he hit Smith as ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is helped off the field after suffering an injury during the third quarter.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is helped off the field after suffering an injury during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Case Keenum fumbles as he is sacked by Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston during the fourth quarter.

Texans quarterback Case Keenum fumbles as he is sacked by Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Case Keenum throws a touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins during the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Case Keenum throws a touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins during the second quarter.